How To Be Useful

By Andrew Fuller

    Our usefulness depends much on our being strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. If our souls be in a languishing state, what good can we do in the world? "Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savor wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing" (Matt. 5:13).

    What good can we do in society, among our immediate connections, or in our families, but as we diffuse a savor of Christ? And how can this be done if we ourselves have lost that savor, and are become lifeless and unfruitful in the ways of God.

    At the close of every day it becomes us to inquire, Has anyone been improved by our conversation? Will anyone think the better of Christ from what they have heard or seen in us? Or have we been among men merely as men of the world: and might they not say of us, What do you more than others?

    He who possesses much religion will impart more or less of it to those about him. He will not make a show of it, yet it must be seen. There is that in the temper and daily conversation of a man of genuine piety, which indicates that he has been with Jesus. The modesty of his countenance, the meekness and cheerfulness of his disposition, the sweet familiarity and seriousness of his intercourse with men, enliven the circle in which he moves, and recommend the religion which he professes.